Cuomo to likely focus on spending, medical pot

The Senate Republicans say their priority is the tax package proposed in November that would reduce corporate tax rates, make inflation adjustments for state income tax brackets, set a permanent 2 percent cap on state spending growth with all surplus used to cut taxes, make the state’s property tax cap permanent and make all retirement income tax-free.

The Independent Democratic Conference, part of that coalition with Republicans controlling the Senate, said it’s the biggest champion in Albany of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to establish universal prekindergarten programs. The Democrat proposed taxing New Yorkers with annual incomes of $500,000 or more to fund that program, as well as after-school programs for all middle school students.

The Senate Democratic Conference is calling for economic growth, raising the minimum wage, tax fairness and passing legislation still pending from last year to on women’s rights and ethics reform.